Over N$34 million invested in Otjozondjupa electrification transformation
In a move to strengthen energy reliability and drive regional development, the Otjozondjupa Regional Council has invested over N$34 million in electricity infrastructure and upgrades during the 2024/2025 financial year.The announcement was made by Governor John Julius //Khamuseb during his State of the Region Address (SORA), held in Otjiwarongo last Friday.
He said that with support from the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade, the Ministry of Mines and Energy, and regional power distributor CENORED, seven localities across the region, namely Otjiwarongo, Kalkfeld, Grootfontein, Okakarara, Okondjatu, Gam and Okahandja, were electrified, connecting 375 households and creating 123 temporary job opportunities in the process.
“This investment is not just about lights; it’s about livelihoods, dignity and economic opportunity,” //Khamuseb told council members and residents at the Otjozondjupa Regional Council Conference Hall.
Among the key infrastructure projects, the Otjiwarongo Incomer Station is undergoing major upgrades to stabilise electricity supply to the regional capital, and a dedicated load centre has been installed at Otjiwarongo State Hospital, ensuring uninterrupted power for critical health services.
In Otavi, street lighting and traffic lights have been upgraded, enhancing road safety and urban security. Meanwhile, Okakarara now features newly installed streetlights and solar lighting along its main route, a progressive step towards greener and safer public spaces.
Elsewhere, the OOP Substation in Okahandja is being expanded to meet the town’s growing industrial power demands.
At Gam, the Mkhata Solar PV system has been relocated to the Otjiserandu Clinic, ensuring sustainable and reliable energy for rural healthcare services, a move that reflects a broader shift towards renewable energy in off-grid settlements.
However, despite these advances, //Khamuseb noted that further investment is essential to keep up with growing demand.